Automobile desk



Sept 15, 1931. J. J. KONZEN AUTOMOBILE DESK Filed Nov. 5. 1929 INVENTOR JOHN J? -KO/V2E/V HIS ATTORNEY Patented Sept. 15, 1931 UNITED STATES PATENT ()FFICE J H1! J. KONZEN, OF SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA AUTOMOBILE nnsx Application filed Hovember 5, 1929. Serial No. 404,936.

My invention relates to desks for holding maps, cards and other materials useful to the driver of an automobile, in a position where they are convenient for use without unduly distracting his attention from the road.

An object of my invention is to provide a desk which may be clamped to the steering column of an automobile, and which will hold a road map, memorandum, or like object in a position where it may most conveniently be consulted by the operator of the vehicle.

Another object of my invention is to provide a device of the character described which is adapted to support a cigarette case, vanity,

5 or other accessory in a readily accessible place.

Still another object of my inventionis to provide a desk which will hold a registration or license card in a fully visible yet fully protected position.

A further object of my invention is to provide a device of the class described which may be made sufficiently cheaply so that it may be given away as an advertisement, and

which will carry an advertising legend in such a manner that it will not be masked in the ordinary use of the device.

My invention possesses numerous other obj ects and features of advantage, some of which, with the foregoing, will be set forth in the following description of my invention.

It is to be understood that I do not limit 4 to secure the platen rigldly to the bracket.

myself to this disclosure of species of my invention, as I may adopt variant embodiments thereof within the scope of the claims.

Considered in general terms, the device of my invention comprises a platen, preferably formed of sheet metal, and having an arm extending outwardly from the rear thereof for supporting an accessory such as a cigarette case or other object which it is wished to hold in readily accessible position. A frame is provided at the edges of the platen into which a card may be slipped, e. g., a registration certificate, and space is also preferably provided for a transparent protecting cover for the card, which thus forms a writing surface on the platen. A spring clamp is mounted adjacent the lower portion of the platen which has jaws bearing against the frame for holding a road map or notebook in place even tho-ugh the car be in motion. .An auxiliary frame on the platen below the clamp may hold anadvertiseinent. A clip for .pencil forms a convenient adjunct. The dei In its preferred form, my invention comprises a splitring clamp 6 having a horizontally projecting strap 7 forming a bracket by whichv the desk may be attached to the steering column 8 of an automobile. The strap is twisted near the clamp so thatthe plane of the extending portion is approxi mately perpendicular to the axis of the steervingcolumn.

Notches 9 are formed in the edges of the strap, which engage tabs 11 punched from the body of a sheet metal platen 12. The tabs are swaged down as shown in Figure The distal end oft-he strap projects slightly beyond the edge ofthe platen.

A pair of arms 13 are also formed from the platemextending outwardly and upwardly from its rear surface,'each having an upturned stud endlllfor engaging a socket 16 on an accessory. A rib 1' 7, having a fillet 18 extending down into the body of the platen adds toth'erigidity ofthe arm.

The edges 21, 22 of the platen are bent inwardly to" form a frame into which a card 23 ,may be slipped, and. held in position by stops 24f. This cardmay carry an advertisement, enemy-be a registration certificate, in which case a transparent cover will preferably be used to protectits surface in the usual manner. The ca rd covers the voids'left Gil til;

by the formation of the arms 13 and gives a smooth writing surface to the desk.

Adjacent to the lower portion of the desk below the frame, and substantially on the line of supporting strap 7, a pair of ears 26 is bent upwardly to support a transverse rod 27, on which is journaled a clamp for holding any object which it may be desired to secure to the desk. This clamp comprises a stamping having arms 28 carrying the jaws 29 which are positioned to rest against the frame. A strap 31 connects the arms and is provided with an extending thumb piece 32. A spring 33 is interposed between the platen and the arms to actuate the clamp.

A small auxiliary frame 34 is folded from the edges of the platen below the spring clamp. This frame is adapted to hold a card carrying advertising matter. This lower portion of the platen, as viewed from the drivers seat, is not masked either by material carried on the platen or by the thumb piece. The frame 34, besides its function of carry ing advertising matter, serves to stiffen the lower portion of the platen, and thus increase its usefulness as a finger grip when the clamp is operated by pressing the thumb piece 32. j

It is frequently convenient to have a pencil or other stylus available for use in connection with the desk. In order to hold such a stylus the spring clips 36 are provided on the distal edge of the platen. As is shown by the dotted lines in Figure 1, the stylus 37 is held in place above the projecting end 38 of the strap 7, which thereby forms a stop which positions the stylus in its clip.

In the present instance the arms 13 on the desk are shown as carrying a cigarette case. This case comprises an open top rectangular box 39 having loops 41 expanded in the lower portion of one side for engaging the stud ends 14 of the arms 17. Tabs 42, punched from the side of the box, extend inwardly and divide it into a compartment 43 which is adapted to hold a standard package of cigarettes, and a second compartment 44 which may be used as an ash receiver.

construction offers an extremely economical method of supporting this accessory, and this without sacrificing advantage of having a writing surface on the desk for use when needed. The use of the device to hold a registration card in no wise detracts from its use fulness in other respects, and the card is at the same time fully protected and fully visible.

One of the principal values of the desk is as an advertising device. An advertisement carried in the frame 34 is held constantly Within the view of the driver. The economical design of the device permits it to be made in quantity at an extremely low price,

so'that an advertiser can afford to purchase them in quantities and give them to his prospective customers.

I claim:

1. A device of the character described comprising a platen having opposed edges folded to form a frame for receiving a card, a spring pressed clamp privoted on the platen for holding a sheet of material against saidv platen and having jaws bearing against the outer edges ofthe frame, said clamp having a thumb piece whereby the clamp may be grasped to open it, and means for securin of the frame, said clamp having a thumb piece whereby the clamp may be grasped to open it, stops on the surface portion of the platen adjacent the clamp mounting for positioning the card, and means for'securing the platen to a support.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand.

JOHN J. KONZEN.

The usefulness of the device described may i readily be appreciated. Drivers of automobiles frequently have maps, address lists, or other documents to which they must refer frequently in the course of their driving, and which it is desirable toconsult without the necessity of driving to the edge of the road, stopping the car, and finding the required references in a document carried in the pocket. The present device offers a means of carrying such memoranda where they are available at a glance. 1

The device also offers an opportunity for holding the most usually used accessories in the most convenient position without the use of a separate support or the sacrifice of additional space in the drivers compartment. The 

